The 4 Core Genotype (4CG) Model
This murine model enables researchers to distinguish sex hormone effects from sex chromosome effects in their research. Below is a description of the characteristics of this model.
The 4CG model will soon be made available under gnotobiotic conditions at the International Microbiome Centre in Calgary upon request.
1. This figure describes the 4 CG model, which arose in the 1980’s due to a spontaneous mutation on the Y chromosome, knocking out the Sry gene and thereby generating a female (Sry is required for male differentiation). The introduction of a transgene on an autosome to males with two genotypes, XY–Sry transgenic or XXSry transgenic, as shown in the two boxes on the right of the illustration. 2. This figure shows the four genotypes that can be obtained by breeding these transgenic mice with WT females. The model has been back-crossed many times on a C57/ BL6 background. These strains enable researchers to distinguish sex hormone effects from sex chromosome effects. 3. This figure highlights that the key mouse in this model is the male harbouring the spontaneous mutation in Sry transgene on the Y chromosome and carrying the autosomal Sry transgene (blue circle). 4. This mouse model can be re-derived to achieve gnotobiotic or axenic status.
